Player tracking module navigation device, and game machine and/or table game incorporating the same

Abstract

The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to gaming machines and table games and, more particularly, to gaming machines and table games that include a player tracking module navigation device. A processor is configured to generate a changeable predetermined control signal in dependence on the PTM's status and/or user input received into the PTM, with the control signal corresponding to possible additional user input acceptable to the PTM given its current and prospective functionality. At least one button is provided. At least one light emitter also is provided, with each said light emitter being associated with one said button. Light activation programmed logic circuitry is configured to selectively enable and/or disable the at least one light emitter in dependence on the control signal. Button actuation programmed logic circuitry is configured to selectively enable and/or disable the at least one button in dependence on the control signal. The control signal includes at least a color code and an actuation code for each said button to visually communicate to the user the possible additional user input acceptable to the PTM. In certain exemplary embodiments, navigation devices may be implemented as hardware or displayed as floating layers. Additionally, in certain exemplary embodiments, navigation devices may be used to control to the action of the PTM, the main screen, the top box, a table, game, etc.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to gaming machines and table games and, more particularly, to gaming machines and table games that include a player tracking module navigation device. Such player tracking module navigation devices may be selectively enabled / disabled and / or altered in appearance based at least in part on user input and / or the status of game play.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY[0002]For years, gaming machines (e.g., of the type typically found in casinos, on riverboats, and / or in other gambling establishments) have provided patrons with enjoyment and proprietors with revenue. Broadly speaking, they have evolved from simple, classic slot machines featuring mechanical arms that a patron would pull, to more complicated video-based versions of slots, poker, and other games, with one or more buttons sometimes replacing the functions served by the mechanical arm. Further changes have included, for example, incorporating multiple displays to supp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024]Finally, the entertainment on conventional tables is reduced to the particular form of the table game being played. There are no on-demand services available to the patrons as a table, much less on-demand services provided to each patron individually. Moreover, there is a literal “call” system for a reduced number of ancillary services, typically including only drink and cash-out services.

Problems solved by technology

This separation often makes integration between the various components cumbersome, impossible, and / or not worthwhile.

While such gaming machines and gaming systems have been effective in providing additional entertainment and service options, they unfortunately suffer from several drawbacks.

Some disadvantages relate to the high cost and technical difficulties associated with implementing such systems.

Configuring such hardware is cumbersome, for example, in terms of connecting the hardware among and between gaming machines.

Scalability has been reduced according to such installation, configuration, and coordination difficulties.

The reduced amount, or even complete absence, of interoperability between the hardware components also produces strains on networking technologies in terms of addressability, management, and accounting.

For similar reasons, mass deployment of media-type features also has been difficult.

Size limitations of the computer-readable storage media on gaming machines have effectively reduced the amount of content and number of options available to patrons (e.g., via the PTM).

Moreover, it has not been feasible to deliver live television, entertainment, and other media-type features.

Live feeds have been made difficult (and often impossible) because of the store-forward nature of the memory locations on each gaming machine, bandwidth requirements, and / or difficulties associated with addressing individual gaming machines in the proprietary network environment (e.g., based on unicast, multidrop, etc.).

Current implementations typically are restricted to one means of deployment, particularly for the PTM.

Limited “real estate” and implementation difficulties have led to homogenous configurations.

Similarly, it is difficult to take into account patrons' different preferences for designs, layouts, and desired ergonomic layouts.

Thus, there is often a large investment required in modernizing and / or upgrading an existing floor.

These problems may be exacerbated as additional gaming machines are added and tax the network and infrastructure yet further, in terms of number and types of systems that must be integrated.

Unfortunately, these manual processes have several drawbacks.

For example, the rating of patrons' play performance often is arbitrary and manual.

For example, there is a general inability to provide a promotional bonus program that is in-line with the balance of the casino operation.

There also are logistical complications for patrons, dealers, and pit bosses relating to managing cash, coins, or chips during game play.

Such problems are even more complicated in multi-property settings, where it would be desirable to make awards and / or provide bonuses in accordance with a multi-property casino operation.

In addition to the above-described drawbacks of conventional gaming machines and table games, on player tracking devices in particular, users are only able to interface with the system through either a rudimentary number pad or touch screen interface.

These interaction techniques provide little feedback or excitement to the user.

This problem becomes greater and greater as the features being offered are increased, which ironically makes the interface seem more static and preset instead of more interoperable and more fully featured.

But the absence of a unique interface for the PTM often makes operation of the PTM seem static, preset, cumbersome, forced, and / or without value.

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